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High Point, North Carolina is where the World comes twice a year, to preview the newest in furniture and home decor. If High Point didn’t invent furniture, it certainly invented the furniture industry. I started my three day visit to the High Point International Furniture Market with The Phillips Collection.

The Phillips Collection offers innovative and striking designs that have in international flair. This is just the place to look for unique items that can serve in both a transitional decor or a hip urban loft.

If you ever visit “Market” it’s best to come up with a plan to map out your days, but you know what they say about the best laid plans… My next stop at Market was a bit off plan, but I had to see Phoebe & Jim Howard’s Collection of furniture with Sherrill Furniture. The collection was actually introduced at the April Market, so I’m a little behind on the news , but who’s keeping score. Mr. & Mrs. Howard didn’t disappoint with they’re “new to me” collection. They served up an assemblage of upholstery and case goods blended with current and traditional, timeless designs. It’s also notable that the collection is made in Hickory, North Carolina.

I think it’s universally agreeable that Mrs. Howard’s design style is refined, comfortable and uncomplicated. I could do a post on this showroom alone. Hmmm!

From Sherrill, I ventured around the corner and down the street to Hickory Chair, another American made line of furniture. Hickory Chair features collections designed by Alexa Hampton, Suzanne Kasler, Mariette Himes Gomez and Thomas O’Brien. Wow, what a line up! Each of Designers are in the Showroom during Market, are approachable and, just like me, love to talk about design.

In my never-ending quest for the perfect sofa, I came across two candidates. First this 1940’s inspired beauty by Alexa Hampton. A simple, modern silhouette is essential for me, along with comfort and the ability to lay on it after a long day of work, or to watch a good movie. The Truman Sofa certainly fits the bill. You’ll learn more about my search for the perfect sofa in a future post. Alexa told me the sofa was introduced three years ago, and that it’s a good thing they “mix things up from one Market to the next”. How could I have missed it!

Second is the 9th Street Sofa inspired by a vintage 1960’s Hickory Chair sofa. Again this sofa has been in the Hickory Chair line for some time now. Which leads me to my very first bit of advice as a Designer. Walk trough a showroom, or shop twice. You will always see something new the second go around.

Next Directly across the street is the Baker Showroom. Or as a friend of mine calls it Bakah! Regardless how you say it, Baker is a must stop at every Market.

I had the fortune of being escorted through the Baker showroom, by Vanessa, a former Design School classmate of mine. She showed me the place from her point of view and the first stop on our tour was Tony Duquette. “Babette’s Feast” for the eyes!

for the eyes.

From there Vanessa showed me, with a glint in her eye, The Thomas Pheasant Collection. It contained one of my favorite Market finds, a reinterpretation of the Starburst Mirror. Finally!

His interpretation is loosely inspired by a kimono with cherry blossoms. It is truly an eye catcher, that is bound to be the new “must have” mirror to smartly finish a room. Juan Carlos, Thomas’ partner, described the intricate detail that went into getting the look just right. They resorted to post-it notes to indicate where on the mirror each gem would be placed. Pink for the medium-sized gems and yellow for the large ones.

Finally I’ll end today’s post on the Market with yet another American Made Furniture Company, Vaughn-Bassett. The Bassett family has been making furniture in Virginia & North Carolina since 1902, Vaughn-Bassett has been designing and building bedroom furniture since the 1920’s. They are an American Furniture Dynasty.